TODAY IS WORLD LUNG DAY

On World Lung Day, today, the various organisations that support those with respiratory difficulties are calling for a phased introduction of free Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART) inhalers, starting with children aged 12 to 17.

Representatives of these groups met with members of the Oireachtas yesterday, ahead of Budget Day, to push for further investment in lung health.

The event was organised by the Asthma Society of Ireland as a collaborative initiative, giving each participating organisation a platform to speak to the issues facing its own patient community. Together, the organisations highlighted the gaps in access to timely diagnosis, standardised and evidence-based care and specialist services. They also called for sustained investment in respiratory research and disease registries, alongside action to address preventable risks to lung health, including air pollution, climate change and smoking. 

Participating organisations included the Asthma Society of Ireland, the Irish Thoracic Society, the Cystic Fibrosis Registry of Ireland, COPD Support Ireland, Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland, the Climate and Health Alliance, the Tobacco Free Generation Alliance, Pulmonary Hypertension Ireland, and representatives from the Paediatric Severe Asthma Registry.

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